monk

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈməŋk 

: a man who is a member of a religious order and lives in a monastery

also : friar

monk

2 of 2

noun (2)

: monkey

Examples of monk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In instances like these, the best thing to do is follow the advice of a Zen monk named Paul Loomans and befriend what scares you, which Burkeman references in his book. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024

The book was written in response to the August 2008 assassination of Hindu monk Lakshmanananda Saraswati, also known as the Hindu Swami. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Thousands of fans took part in a walk two weeks after the accident to raise money for its less-well-off victims and a memorial garden, blessed by Buddhist monks, now stands on the site of the crash. —Matt Slater, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Tai chi began more recently than that, but is still considered to be an ancient practice because it was started by a Taoist monk who lived around 1300 AD. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 9 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English munuc, from Late Latin monachus, from Late Greek monachos, from Greek, adjective, single, from monos single, alone

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monk

• monk parakeet
• monk's cloth
• monk seal

Kids Definition

monk

noun

ˈməŋk

: a member of a religious community made up of men who agree to give up worldly life, remain poor and unmarried, and obey all laws of their community

monkish

ˈməŋ-kish

adjective

Biographical Definition

Monk

biographical name

ˈməŋk 

Thelonious Sphere 1920–1982 American jazz musician